DJ Saul is the CMO at iStrategyLabs
Maybe because I can throw a business card on the table with the precision of Peyton Manning that I am often asked to talk about the idea of "network" or becoming a "superconnector."
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That said, the word "network" often connotes the transactional side of dishonest relationship building. At the end of the day, one of the best ways to build and strengthen relationships is to provide value to others selflessly.
Here's what not to do, and what you should do instead:
You are wrong
collection business card num- dropping, sales oriented types could be good to complete a rolodex, but they are too quick to request the value (or just trying to sell you something) instead of trying to provide value (an idea, a connection, opportunity, etc.).
Too often, they demand value in an email exchange (as spamming calendar), rather than just creating.
The proper way
Many have written excellent advice on this front, the likes of Steve Blank on "How to get meetings with people too busy to see you." Some even offer recommendations and exercises such as James Altucher action -. that a simple list of skills required to become a superconnector
The main message is to provide real value to build real relationships. That's a dead simple way to start :. introduce two people you know each other by e-mail (two people you know would both enjoy and find value in connection with another)
Instead of #FollowFriday, call this approach #IntroFriday . Here's an example:
If you are 100 percent confident that both sides will indeed be interested in meeting each other, then go ahead and let it rip. If you are not, send the individual notes to see if they would actually be interested in the connection.
In practice, you will refine your radar and to develop better intuition for future intros.
If you do not have an intro to do, email someone you know and ask what kinds of intros would benefit them (an investor? A designer? A plumber?), And remind you for the future. That's all. I guarantee if you practice it, something good will come of it ... and sooner than you might think.
If it does not, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.